Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

What is the survival rate for a newborn with lung-head ratio > 1.8? My baby was diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia during 30 weeks of pregnancy. Also, would I need to plan for delivery before 40 weeks?

How does the lung-head ratio (LHR) affect the long-term outlook for individuals with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)?

The long-term outlook (prognosis) for those with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) depends on a number of factors, so the lung-head ratio (LHR) cannot be used alone to predict the outcome.[1] Centers have reported mixed results in the use of LHR for predicting fetal outcome, and its use is known to have limitations. Generally, a high ratio (greater than 1.4) indicates good lung size and is more likely to contribute to a more favorable outcome. A low ratio (variously cited as less than 1.0 or 0.6, depending on the source) indicates small lung size and therefore predicts a poorer outcome.[2]

Fetal MRI is increasingly being used to better define the internal anatomy in fetuses with CDH. Calculation of lung volumes using fast spin-echo MRI reportedly appears to provide useful information about the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the lungs) and seems likely to replace the use of LHR obtained from fetal ultrasound.[2]

Last updated: 10/23/2013

What is the long-term outlook for fetuses or infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)?

The long-term outlook (prognosis) for those with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) depends on a number of factors and is hard to predict. A large defect is more likely to result in pulmonary hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the lungs) and death than a small defect.[1] Other factors associated with decreased survival include:

The postnatal survival rate at tertiary centers (providing specialized care) has improved, with reported rates of 70 to 92 percent. However, these data represent the survival rate of cases that were full-term infants born or transferred to tertiary care centers with available skilled personnel and access to advanced technology.[3]

While reports of normal or near-normal long-term outcomes are increasing, many survivors have long-term complications.[2] These may include chronic respiratory disease, recurrent hernia (abnormal opening) or patch problems, spine or chest wall abnormalities, gastrointestinal difficulties, and neurological impairment.[3]

Last updated: 3/7/2017

Should fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) be delivered early?

The best gestational age for delivery of an infant prenatally diagnosed with CDH is not known. Recommendations have included having a planned induction of labor between 38 and 39 weeks of gestation so that the fetus is monitored from the earliest stage of labor, and pediatric surgery and neonatology services are prepared to care for the infant. Some researchers have suggested that early delivery at 37 to 38 weeks of gestation may improve survival in infants with CDH because the severity of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension may increase as the pregnancy progresses. Because up to half of affected infants require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), delivery at a tertiary center with ECMO capability has been recommended.[1]

Fetuses with CDH should be closely monitored during the pregnancy. This may entail a nonstress test twice per week or biophysical profile testing at 33 to 34 weeks, and ultrasound at 28, 30, 32, and 34 to 35 weeks of gestation to assess fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume. The health care provider should also look for signs of secondary complications such as early stool in the amniotic fluid; dilated stomach in the fetal chest; and abnormal build-up of fluid in the fetal body. These signs may mean that the fetus should be delivered early. Other indications for early delivery may include fetal growth restriction, too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) and/or other non-reassuring signs.[1]

Last updated: 10/23/2013

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